1. Home/
    2. Archives / Ji m

Archives For jimingkui

Download TV/Radio from BBC iPlayer via get-iplayer in Ubuntu

Last updated: November 16, 2024

Get-iplayer is a command line tool for downloading TV and radio programmes from BBC iPlayer. The tool features:

  • Downloads TV and radio programmes from BBC iPlayer
  • Allows multiple programmes to be downloaded using a single command
  • Indexing of most available iPlayer catch-up programmes (not BBC Three, Red Button or iPlayer Exclusive)
  • Caching of index with automatic updating
  • Regex search on programme name
  • Regex search on programme description and episode title
  • Filter search results by channel
  • Direct download via programme ID or URL
  • PVR capability (may be used with cron or Task Scheduler)
  • HTTP proxy support
  • Perl 5.10.1+ required, plus LWP, LWP::Protocol::https, XML::LibXML and Mojolicious modules
  • Requires ffmpeg for conversion to MP4 and AtomicParsley for metadata tagging
  • Runs on Linux/BSD (Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenBSD and others), macOS (10.10+), Windows (7/8/10 – XP/Vista not supported)

Install get-iplayer

There are so far 2 ways to install the software package in Ubuntu. They include:

  • Snap package – runs in sandbox environment.
  • Native .deb package through Ubuntu PPA.

Choose either one that you prefer.

Option 1: Snap package

For the latest get-iplayer Snap package, either launch Ubuntu Software or App Center, then search & click install it.

get-iplayer in App Center

Or, you may also open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run the following command instead to install the snap package:

snap install get-iplayer

Option 2: Ubuntu PPA

For those who prefer the native .deb package, there’s an PPA repository that contains the most recent package for Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and Ubuntu 20.04. Even the old Ubuntu 16.04 and Ubuntu 18.04 are also supported.

1. First, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:m-grant-prg/utils

Type user password when it asks (no asterisk feedback) and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then, install the .deb package via command:

sudo apt install get-iplayer

Linux Mint users may need to run sudo apt update first to manually refresh package cache, while this is done automatically while adding PPA in Ubuntu.

3. The PPA also contains many other software packages. You may run the command below to remove the PPA after installed get-iplayer in case of any package conflict.

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:m-grant-prg/utils

For Linux Mint, also run sudo apt update to update cache.

Usage / examples:

As mentioned, this is a command line tool. You need to open terminal and run any command below to use it.

  • List all TV programmes with long descriptions: 
    get_iplayer --long ".*"
  • List all radio programmes: 
    get_iplayer --type=radio ".*"
  • List all TV and radio programmes with “doctor who” in the name: 
    get_iplayer --type tv,radio "doctor who"
  • List all BBC One programmes: 
    get_iplayer --channel="BBC One" ".*"
  • List Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra programmes with “Book at Bedtime” in the title: 
    get_iplayer --type=radio --channel="Radio 4" "Book at Bedtime"
  • Record TV programme number 208 (index from search results) in HD, with SD fallback if HD not available: 
    get_iplayer --get 208

    [default is to download best available]

    OR

    get_iplayer --get 208 --tvmode=best
  • Record TV programme number 208 and download subtitles in SubRip (SRT) format: 
    get_iplayer --get 208 --subtitles
  • Record multiple TV programmes (using index numbers from search results): 
    get_iplayer --get 208 209 210
  • Record a TV or radio programme using its iPlayer URL: 
    get_iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01sc0wf/Doctors_Series_15_Perfect/
  • Record a TV or radio programme using the PID (b01sc0wf) from its iPlayer URL: 
    get_iplayer --pid=b01sc0wf

Uninstall get-iplayer

For any reason, you may remove the get-iplayer .deb package by running command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove get-iplayer

Or, remove the Snap package using either Ubuntu Software / App Center, or the snap remove get-iplayer command.

In App Review
 

Install Intel Processor Patch for Meltdown & Spectre in Ubuntu

Last updated: January 12, 2018

Heard about Meltdown and Spectre, two severe hardware bugs that affect billions of devices?

Besides updating the Ubuntu Kernel via “Software Updater”, Intel has released an update processor microcode patch for Linux based operating systems to address the security vulnerabilities.

1. Download the Intel Processor patch from the link below:

Extract the file and you’ll get a new file folder with microcode.dat and intel-ucode directory.

2. To install the patch, open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “terminal” from application launcher. When it opens, run command:

sudo cp -r ~/Downloads/microcode-*/intel-ucode /lib/firmware/

Then run:

sudo -i && echo 1 > /sys/devices/system/cpu/microcode/reload

Finally you need to reboot your machine to apply changes.

In Howtos ,
 

FileZilla Client 3.30.0 Released, How to Install

Last updated: January 9, 2018

The FileZilla ftp client reached the 3.30.0 release a day ago with two new features and a few bug-fixes. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.04, Ubuntu 17.10.

Changes in Filezilla 3.30.0 include:

  • In the search dialog local files can now be deleted or opened
  • The root node in the remote directory tree is now expanded by default
  • Fix uploading from search dialog
  • Fix formatting of filename in rename dialog
  • Fix Windows installer crash if an update installation is started with the updated version having been installed
  • Add additional logging if autoupdate mechanism fails

How to Install Filezilla 3.30.0 in Ubuntu:

So far the only to install the latest Filezilla client in Ubuntu is using the Flatpak package. And following steps will tell you how:

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, do:

  • Run command to add the flatpak PPA: 
    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexlarsson/flatpak

    Input your password (no visual feedback) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

  • Then run commands one by one to get the latest flatpak daemon: 
    sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install flatpak

2. After installed Flatpak, run following single command to install FileZilla client along with required Gnome platform.

flatpak install --from https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.filezillaproject.Filezilla.flatpakref

Uninstall:

To remove Filezilla installed via flatpak, run command:

flatpak uninstall org.filezillaproject.Filezilla

To remove flatpak, run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove flatpak

To remove the PPA, open “Software & Updates” utility and navigate to “Other Software” tab.

In Howtos, News ,
 

How to Prevent Automatic Blank Screen While Watching Videos

Last updated: January 7, 2018

This is quick tutorial shows you how to prevent Ubuntu desktop from being automatic turned off (or locked up) while you’re watching videos.

Although the “System Settings” utility offers “Power” page to change screen dimming, blank screen inactive time, etc, it will be convenient to have a panel indicator applet to toggle the settings.

And Caffeine shows an applet in system tray area allows to temporarily prevent the activation of both the screensaver and the “sleep” powersaving mode.

To install Caffeine in Unity or Other Desktops:

For non-Gnome users in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.10, and higher, just search for and install “caffeine” in Ubuntu Software:

Once installed, you can launch it from app launcher or let it launch automatically in next login.

To install Caffeine extension in Gnome Shell:

For Gnome Desktop, there’s an Caffeine extension available for install.

You can follow this tutorial to install the extension. Since Ubuntu 17.10 artful you can search for and install the extension via Ubuntu Software:

skip caffeine for xscreensaver which it not updated for a lone time.

Once installed, you should see the applet in system tray. And you can manage gnome extensions via “Gnome Tweaks” utility (Install it via Ubuntu Software if you don’t have it).

In Howtos
 

Sayonara Music Player 1.0 Released! How to Install in Ubuntu

Last updated: January 4, 2018

Sayonara, a Qt music player aims to be intuitive, easy usablility, and organizes even big music collections, reached the 1.0 release a few days ago.

Changes in Sayonara 1.0 include:

  • Choose covers between Google, Discogs and Last.fm servers.
  • Cover view: Reload covers, zoom and sorting
  • Multiple library support for Directories, Library.
  • Move/Copy/Rename operations and show Song info in Directories.
  • Removed date filter support
  • Add “Clear selection” button
  • Ability to choose system icons
  • Fast preference access
  • Lyric server updates
  • Removed MTP device support
  • Moved load/save to playlist tabs instead of plugin
  • Added proxy support
  • Set custom paths for stream recorder.
  • Added preferences options for Streams/Podcast

How to Install Sayonara 1.0 in Ubuntu:

To install the latest Sayonara 0.9.1 in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.04, Ubuntu 17.10, and their derivatives, do:

1. Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and add the official Sayonara PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lucioc/sayonara

2. Update and install the player via commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install sayonara

For those who don’t want to add PPA, grab .deb package from the PPA file archive.

3. (Optional) If you dislike the player, simply remove it via command:

sudo apt remove sayonara && sudo apt autoremove

And the PPA can be removed via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab.

In Howtos, News ,
 

How to Install Latest Avidemux 2.7.0 in Ubuntu 17.10, 18.04

Last updated: October 19, 2018

The latest packages for Avidemux video editor 2.7.0 is available in GetDeb.net. However, the GetDeb repository is not updated for a few months, and there’s no packages for Ubuntu 17.10.

For those who don’t prefer the official Appimage (non-install) binary, I’ve uploaded Avidemux 2.7.0 packages into launchpad PPA (unofficial) to make it available for Ubuntu 17.10, Ubuntu 18.04. It also contains packages for Ubuntu 16.04, and Ubuntu 17.04.

UPDATE 201805: Rebuilt Ubuntu 18.04 packages due to updated system library. The plugin package now can be installed without dependencies issue.

1. To add the PPA, open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/avidemux

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing) when it prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then install avidemux2.7-qt5 package either via Synaptic Package Manager or by running commands:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install avidemux2.7-qt5 avidemux2.7-plugins-qt5

It’s avidemux 2.7 though it contains ‘2.6’ in its name.

Uninstall:

For any reason remove the software via command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove avidemux2.7-qt5

To remove the PPA, launch ‘Software & Updates’ utility and navigate to ‘Other Software’ tab.

In Howtos ,
 

How to Install Stellarium 0.17.0 in Ubuntu 18.04/17.10/16.04

Last updated: January 2, 2018

Stellarium, a free planetarium software, reached the 0.17.0 release with many new features, bug-fixes, and other changes.

The major changes in Stellarium 0.17.0:

  • Added support for nomenclature of planetary surface (SOCIS 2017 project)
  • Added improvements for AstroCalc tool
  • Added improvements for Oculars plugin
  • Added improvements for Exoplanets plugin
  • Added INDI support for Telescope Control plugin
  • Updated code and data

For the full changes, see the release note.

How to Install Stellarium 0.17.0 in Ubuntu:

The official Stellarium PPA has built the packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 17.04, Ubuntu 17.10, and Ubuntu 18.04.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or from app launcher. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stellarium/stellarium-releases

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing) when it prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then upgrade Stellarium from an existing release with Software Updater utility:

Or run following commands to install the software for the first time:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install stellarium

Uninstall:

To remove the software, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt-get remove --autoremove stellarium

And remove the PPA via “Software & Updates” utility under Other Software tab.

In Howtos, News
 

The Snap App of Sublime Text 3 Available for Test

Last updated: August 20, 2018

The community has made Sublime Text 3 into the SNAP package. So far, it’s available for testing in candidate channel.

A snap is an universal Linux application comes with all its dependencies bundled. It runs in sandbox and is isolated from other system software.

If you just want to install latest stable Sublime Text 3 in Ubuntu. There’s an official apt repository and here’s how-to tips.

Install Sublime Text 3 via Snap:

Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from application launcher. When it opens, run command:

snap install sublime-text-3 --classic

The command works in Ubuntu 16.04 and higher. And the --candidate flag is not required anymore since the snap is now in stable.

The snap package co-exists with traditional packages, you’ll have two launcher icons:

To make sure you’re running the snap app, you can launch it from the terminal command:

/snap/bin/sublime-text-3

Uninstall:

To remove the snap app for Sublime Text 3, run command:

snap remove sublime-text-3
In Howtos ,
 

PyCharm 2017.3.2 Released! How to Install it in Ubuntu

Last updated: December 29, 2017

Jetbrains announced the release of its Python IDE, PyCharm 2017.3.2, a day ago. Here’s how you can install it in Ubuntu 16.04 and higher.

Changes in PyCharm 2017.3.2 include:

  • Type annotation ahead of time. You can’t put an inline type annotation when defining a variable in a for or a with statement, so you need to provide the annotation in a separate place, read more on the ticket. This is now supported in PyCharm.
  • ‘Show command line afterwards’ now works correctly for remote interpreters. And further fixes to this feature
  • Various SQL syntax fixes for PostgreSQL and Oracle (PyCharm Professional Edition bundles all DataGrip features)
  • React code completion improvements (PyCharm Professional Edition bundles all WebStorm features)
  • And more, see the release notes for details

How to Install PyCharm 2017.3.2 in Ubuntu:

You can easily run the new release in Ubuntu either via:

method 1: official Linux binaries. NON-INSTALL version, just extract and run executable file to launch the IDE:

method 2: or install the Snap package. App run in sandbox. Support for Ubuntu 16.04 and higher:

Simply open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app launcher. When it opens, run command:

snap install pycharm-community --classic

For professional edition, run following command instead:

snap install pycharm-professional --classic

Once installed, launch the IDE from your application launcher and enjoy!

Uninstall:

To remove the snap packages, either use Ubuntu Software or run command in terminal:

sudo snap remove pycharm-community pycharm-professional

For those who prefer traditional Ubuntu PPA, keep an eye on the launchpad PPA.

In Howtos, News ,
 

How to Install MPV 0.28.0 in Ubuntu 18.04, 16.04

Last updated: December 28, 2017

MPV media player reached the 0.28.0 release a few days ago. Here’s how to install it via PPA in Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 16.04.

MPV 0.28.0 requires FFmpeg 3.4 and features initial d3d11 and vulkan support. Other changes include:

  • Add DRM_PRIME Format Handling and Display for RockChip MPP decoders
  • Add support for Display P3 primaries
  • support multiple seekable cached ranges, display cache ranges on OSC
  • demux_playlist: support .url files
  • dvb: Add multiple frontends support (up to 8)
  • dvb: implement parsing of modulation for VDR-style channels config
  • hwdec: add mediacodec hardware decoder for IMGFMT_MEDIACODEC frames, rename mediacodec to mediacodec-copy
  • lua: integrate stats.lua script (bound to i/I by default)
  • add support for nvdec hwaccel
  • add android opengl backend

How to Install MPV 0.28.0 in Ubuntu:

MPV does not provide official Linux binaries, but it refers to a third-party PPA which contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and derivatives.

To install it, open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “Terminal” from start menu. When it opens, do:

1. add the PPA repository via command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mc3man/mpv-tests

Type in your password (no visual feedback due to security reason) when prompts and hit Enter.

2. If you have a previous release installed, you can now launch Software Updater and upgrade the software after checking for updates:

Or just run commands to install it for the first time:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install mpv

Uninstall:

For any reason, you can remove the PPA easily by going to System Settings -> Software & Updates -> Other Software tab. And remove the player via command:

sudo apt remove mpv && sudo apt autoremove
In Howtos, News